Jason felt that it was time to change his approach.
Wandering around alone? That was an open invitation to bump into gods.
But if he had a large group with him, wouldn't that lower his chances of being singled out?
Besides, this was unfamiliar territory. Even with a divine guide from the goddess and Apollo's sword now in hand, charging into unknown lands meant inevitable trouble—swamps, wild beasts, monsters, and whatever else fate decided to throw at him.
Clearly, he needed a new leader.
With that in mind, Jason did something different this time. Passing through a small town, he didn't just resupply and move on as usual. Instead, he decided to stay awhile.
And on a crisp morning, he set out to recruit the best hunters he could find.
"I'll pay you for every capable hunter you bring me. And I swear on the name of the Olympian gods—if they're truly exceptional, I'll double your reward!"
That morning, Jason enlisted the help of the town's children and passing travelers, cleverly spreading the word about his search. Once they scattered to relay his message, he found a place to sit and wait.
With an oath sworn on the gods, the townspeople had no doubt Jason would pay up. And given his noble appearance, he was clearly from a wealthy family. Soon enough, they began bringing in the town's most skilled hunters.
Jason, of course, had no shortage of money. As a former prince, he had brought some with him when he left to find a teacher. And after parting ways with Meleagros, the latter had even given him a considerable sum.
As more and more hunters gathered, Jason inquired about their skills, making sure no one's time was wasted—every hunter who showed up got paid something.
And so, after some time and a considerable amount of coin, by midday, Jason had assembled his own hunting party.
Just then—
"I'm coming too."
A voice rang out, and in walked a girl who looked completely out of place among the burly hunters.
Jason blinked in surprise. Even after meeting several goddesses, he still found himself momentarily stunned by the sight before him.
She was young, but already had the makings of a great beauty. Even in her rough hunting attire, she was striking. With a bit of refinement, she could easily be a princess adored by all.
Unfortunately, she carried a black bow on her back and had a sharp, untamed gaze.
It was precisely that wildness that made Jason give her a second look.
"Atalanta, stop causing trouble."
One of the older hunters—who had already agreed to join Jason—frowned at her and said sternly, "Go back. Did you hear me?"
"Uncle, why won't you let me go?" Atalanta scowled, clearly unwilling to back down. "I heard everything—only the best hunters are allowed to join, and I'm just as good as anyone here!"
Her words made many of the hunters frown. But none spoke up—because she was right.
Despite being only around ten years old, Atalanta was already an outstanding hunter.
And so, an awkward silence settled over the group.
"I disagree," Jason suddenly spoke up. "Are you kidding me? I'm hiring people to protect me—not going on a picnic!"
What a joke. A girl? And not just any girl—a beautiful one? No way was he bringing her along!
Wait… Atalanta… That name sounds familiar.
Jason frowned, racking his brain. Lately, he'd been memorizing the names and stories of countless gods, and for the moment, he just couldn't place her.
But that didn't matter. If her name rang a bell, she had to be dangerous!
Anyone who left an impression on him was bound to be trouble!
Jason's rejection, however, made the older hunter—the one Atalanta had called "uncle"—pause.
He had opposed Atalanta joining for a different reason: Jason was a noble, and with Atalanta's looks, she was bound to cause problems.
That was just how things worked. Sure, Jason was only twelve, but in this era, plenty of twelve-year-olds were already climbing into beds.
And so, after much persuasion, Atalanta—who had been raised by the older hunter—had no choice but to grit her teeth and leave.
Before she left, she shot Jason a fierce glare.
Hmm… I have a bad feeling about this.
Watching Atalanta's reluctant departure, Jason couldn't help but feel like he'd just made another mistake.
But what was done was done. Gritting his teeth, he pressed on. After his encounter with Apollo, he was more convinced than ever that he needed experienced guides.
And so, Jason and his group set off.
Though traveling in a group was slower than going alone, they were far more efficient. The hunters knew exactly where not to step, where dangers lurked, and where traps lay hidden.
Jason was pleased. His money had been well spent… though he still felt a lingering sense of unease.
By evening, as the group made camp, Jason finally realized what had been bothering him.
"Uncle, you can't make me leave now, can you?"
A smug voice rang out.
From behind the group, someone emerged—someone who had been silently tailing them all this time.
Atalanta.
She grinned triumphantly and shot another glare at Jason.
Jason instantly understood the source of his unease. His expression darkened.
But at this point, it was too late to send her back—they were already deep in the forest.
Later that evening, as the group rested and ate, Jason discreetly asked the hunters about Atalanta's background.
And that was when he learned—
Atalanta had been abandoned in the mountains as a baby. She survived only because she was raised on the milk of a female bear. She was a child favored by the gods. The bow on her back was proof of that.
A child raised by bears, blessed by the divine, armed with a bow, named Atalanta…
Oh.
Oh no.
Now he remembered.
She was one of Greece's most famous heroines. And in the future, she'd even be chosen as a member of the Argo expedition—the legendary huntress favored by Artemis!
Holy crap, he has offended a future big shot!
This was serious trouble.
Jason stared at Atalanta, his face turning pale.
What the hell? I just wanted to hire a few hunters—why does everything I do end in disaster? It's either a god or a legendary hero!
No. This can't go on. I have to escape… Yes. I have to run.
Making up his mind with terrifying speed, Jason steeled himself.
And so, deep in the night, while the camp lay silent, he quietly slipped out of his tent.
Glancing at the hunters keeping watch, he confirmed that no one had noticed him. Then, step by step, he merged into the darkness, making his escape.
But Jason failed to notice that high up in a nearby tree, Atalanta lay resting.
Her emerald eyes blinked as she tilted her head, watching him vanish into the night with a look of pure curiosity.